Virtual 5K to help state parks

5K benefits parks

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has partnered with Epic Races to offer the inaugural HeartMISnow Virtual 5K. A portion of the proceeds will go back to Michigan state parks.

The HeartMISnow Virtual 5K is a great opportunity to get out in Michigan state parks, including Maybury State Park in Northville or Kensington State Park in Milford, while helping raise funds for them at the same time. Participants choose where and when to complete their own 5K, as long as it's done outdoors. Participants receive a commemorative HeartMISnow finisher's medal as well as an event T-shirt.

Locate a state park, forest, trail or public land managed by the DNR (or, even a local trail or park). Participants can run, walk, hike, snowshoe, cross-country ski or take part any in non-motorized activity to meet the qualifications.

Complete your HeartMISnow Virtual 5K anytime between now and Feb. 28.

Visit the HeartMISnow Facebook event page and "join" the event. Upload a photo of your GPS tracker showing your mileage and time, share a selfie or post a comment telling us about it.

Look for your finisher’s medal and T-shirt that will be mailed in March.